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Evolution of a Robust Tribal-University Research Partnership to Investigate Tribal Exposures and Build Scientific Capacity

Presented by Diana Rohlman at the Contemporary Northwest Tribal Health Conference
March 28-29, 2014 in Portland, OR
For more information and resources on Tribal - University research, please visit our web site: http://superfund.oregonstate.edu/outreach

The SRP focus is on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are products of combustion (car exhaust, wildfires, smoking/grilling food). The Community Engagement Core is one of 6 cores, which all bring expertise. The CEC can connect the expertise of these cores to community partners, such as CTUIR

One of the limitations we have had to overcome is our distance, which does make it difficult to sit down at a table and talk face to face. However, one reason our partnership has thrived and been sustainable is because the CTUIR has scientific capacity and resources, which is unique amongst Tribal nations. Because of this, both entities are bringing scientific expertise to the table.

Brief overview of the partnership, which is going on over 10 years. Of note – this is not a research-only partnership. There have been events throughout the year to focus on building scientific and cultural capacity. Also note the collaborative publications.

On paper, the partnership began with a collaborative EPA Star grant. In reality, it began with a conversation, and shared research interests and expertise. The MOU transitioned into a Material and Data Sharing Agreement designed to protect Tribal rights.As the partnership evolved, specific CTUIR concerns were identified, and expertise from both entities combined to address these concerns.

Stress that expertise and experience (scientific, cultural) was equally contributed. This is a partnership that is designed to combine skill sets, and to share the experiences of both partners. This model has resulted in several publications co-authored, as well understanding of University research strategies and Tribal culture/tradition.

Three activities were addressed in the first SRP grant cycle.

As the partnership progressed, a great deal of thought was given to how this could be a sustainable partnership.

To help sustainability, activities to address cultural capacity were conducted.

The first research project to address specific CTUIR environmental concerns. Used the principles of community-based participatory researchBrief description of the design – 2 air monitors, use filters to trap particulate matter, Tribal members and Air Quality technician collect filters, etc.

Second large research effort – PAH concentrations in smoking structures, in urine of Tribal members performing the smoking, and in the smoked salmon

Visualization of the experiment itself.Focus first on the comparison of the PAH levels in non-smoked vs commercial The increase in PAH levels in smoked salmon set the stage for upcoming studies, to determine the meaning behind these numbers, and to try to influence risk reduction strategies.

Briefly mentioned the difference in PAH concentration, most likely due to air flow differences between the smoking shed and the tipi.

Running alongside the research efforts, collaborative publications were done to continue informing researchers and risk reduction strategies about the unique situations of Tribal communities regarding consumption and use of traditional foods, etc.

Published the Material and Data Sharing agreement so that it could be used as a template for other Tribal-university partnerships. This template has been used by the CEC to form partnerships with other Tribal nations.

The point of these focus groups was to discover how environmental health is viewed by the CTUIR, from an individual and community perspective.

The size of the text indicates the importance of the topic. Main topics were air and water quality, polluted natural foods, and radiation from the nearby Hanford plant.

Diagram of proposed research. This research will help inform risk reduction strategies regarding consumption of traditionally smoked fish/meats.

Up-coming projects

Stress CBPR – future studies will make heavy use of this model

Questions:“I read about the wristbands – what exactly do they pick up?” Answer: They can pick up volatile and semi-volatile compounds. I think of it as chemicals that are dissolved in the air – they are freely available, so they are absorbed by the wristband. Other chemicals that can be identified – flame retardants, herbicides, and personal care products.”“What was in your wristband?” Answer: The whole study was done confidentially, so I don’t know! I do know flea medicine (for dogs and cats) was identified, as well as a lot of caffeine, which was absorbed from sweat. “Can this research be used in a retrospective manner? For example, can you use these results to look at diseases, etc. that have affected the past few generations to look for a cause? It doesn’t sound like you are doing this, but maybe you could mention it to your team?” (This was a personal question asked later during a break)Overall reception was very positive.

Evolution of a Robust Tribal-University Research Partnership to Investigate Tribal Exposures and Build Scientific Capacity

8.
8
What makes a University-Tribal
Partnership Sustainable?
Community-based participatory Research
• Empowering communities to make informed decisions regarding their
health and their environment
• Doing collaborative research that has been identified as important by
CTUIR
• Trust between CTUIR and OSU Scientists
Attention to capacity building in scientists and Tribal
members
• Utilize the CTUIR Field Station
• Increase scientist cultural capacity
Respect for Tribal culture and traditions
• Develop culturally respectful ways to reduce the health effects of chemical
exposures
• Recognition of a sovereign government with laws & policies

16.
16
2012 – 2013
Focus Groups
Three 90-minute focus group sessions with a total of 27
participants were held to elicit opinions on meanings of
health and how the environment interacts with health
Cultural
Capacity
Scientific
Capacity
Selection of questions asked during the focus group:
1. What does being a healthy individual mean to you?
2. What does a healthy community look like?
3. In what ways is your health and the health of your family connected to
the environment?
4. What sources of pollution or types of chemicals concern you the most?
5. Would you eat plants or game or fish obtained [near sources of
pollution]?

18.
Perceptions of Health
• Participants expressed a holistic
view of health that included
environmental, physical, mental,
spiritual, and intergenerational social
components.
• A healthy natural environment was
identified as an essential component
of a healthy individual and a healthy
community.
• Many believe the identified
environmental hazards contribute to
diseases in their community.
18
Schure M, Kile ML, Harding AK, Harper B,
Harris S, Uesugi S, Goins T. (2013)
Perceptions of the Environment and Health
Among Members of the Confederated Tribes
of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
Environmental Justice, 6(3), 115-120.